Family of 13-year-old falsely accused of making bomb threats plans lawsuit against school, police, social media

The student, Nia Whims, at Renaissance Charter School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, was arrested last fall and remained in police custody until law enforcement realized she had no involvement in threatening to bomb the school.

Nia's family now plans to file a lawsuit against Instagram, its parent company Meta, Renaissance Charter School, and Pembroke Pines Police over the ordeal.

They're demanding at least $30,000 plus attorney's fees, the Daily Mail reported. The family argues that the social media giant was negligent, pointing to exonerating evidence that was "literally available at the press of a button."

Authorities determined a few weeks after the November 2021 arrest that the threats had been sent from an IP address that did not match Nia's.

"They need to make sure they do their homework prior to putting our children in handcuffs and locking them up," said Whims family attorney Marwan Porter.

Porter said Nia was traumatized after she spent two weeks in jail.

"Another young lady who was in there, older than her, threatened to stab her over a piece of chocolate," Porter said, according to CBS Miami.

"When it comes to our babies when it comes to our children, law enforcement needs to make sure they do a thorough investigation," said Porter.

Nia's mother, Lezlie-Ann Davis, said a girl who was bullying her daughter created a fake Instagram account, making it look like Nia posted the bomb threats.

"That platform was used to frame Nia," said the family lawyer.

Porter said the police department needs to be held accountable for wrongfully arresting the 7th grader, causing the Whims family distress and embarrassing Nia.

"At one point I wanted her out so bad I called my lawyer, and I was like I'd rather do the time than her what can I do?" said Nia's mother.

The school said via statement: "Our highest priority remains the safety and security of our students. We always have and always will take all appropriate actions to ensure our students and staff are safe. We are not at liberty to discuss any private student issues and we do not comment on pending litigation."

Nia said she feels "distanced" and doesn't want to speak about the situation.

She attends school virtually, while using track practice as an outlet. "I can be myself out there, focus on me. It's like my peace when I go to track," she said.